Results 1 to 38 of 38

Thread: Mini Cooper Turbo Build Questions

  1. #1
    BMW Bastard MINI's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Rome
    Age
    34
    Posts
    3,209
    Rep Power
    23

    Default Mini Cooper Turbo Build Questions

    Alright so, I am now to the point where I am looking to go turbo. My Coop is the base model (1.6L No supercharger) so I am looking to run 5-7 psi, nothing crazy at all.

    There is only 1 aftermarket turbo kit for my car and it doesnt come with an intercooler, I would custom fabricate it to the system with no problem.

    So my question is, should I buy this kit for around $2k or just peice together one myself?

    The hardest part would be finding an exhaust manifold and that wouldnt be a problem.

    Also, what size turbo? And is there a shop that is familar with BMW's and boost?


    Sorry for so many questions, just trying to get everything together. Reps for any help! And again, thank you all.
    Got a MINI? Don't talk to me.

    FUCK your FADS

  2. #2
    Certified Gearhead
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Hiram/Dallas area
    Age
    39
    Posts
    315
    Rep Power
    0

    Default

    the motor in your car is actually based on the chrysler 2.0l used in the neons for so many years, the intake even looks like it.
    the only real issue you would have is tuning, if the kit comes with everything, they arent cheapo parts, and it has a solution for tuning, i recommend buying it.
    as far as turbo size, small. a ko3 like a 1.8t, or a td04 similar to an STi. t25 would be a good turbo. as far as trims and such, i couldnt really say, but you could size them similarly to single cam hondas.
    good luck, i want to see some pictures when your done

  3. #3
    IA Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Age
    37
    Posts
    113
    Rep Power
    18

    Default

    My brother lives in Arizona and he went to a shop the other day that specializes in turbo Mini Coppers. I believe they are the sponsors for the world's fastest Mini Copper. I will get their number for you and I'm sure they can help you with whatever you need.

  4. #4
    BMW Bastard MINI's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Rome
    Age
    34
    Posts
    3,209
    Rep Power
    23

    Default

    Awesome! Thanks to both of you!
    Got a MINI? Don't talk to me.

    FUCK your FADS

  5. #5
    kodak disposable ftw Dwisforme05's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Canada..like america but better
    Posts
    3,580
    Rep Power
    26

    Default

    gonna be a badass mini cooper dude. make a build thread.
    I CAN HAZ 8 CYLINDERS?

    Cameron Flaisch Photography
    Canon Shooter


  6. #6
    BMW Bastard MINI's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Rome
    Age
    34
    Posts
    3,209
    Rep Power
    23

    Default

    It should be. I will once I get everything together
    Got a MINI? Don't talk to me.

    FUCK your FADS

  7. #7
    ಠ_ಠ XanRules's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Dining in Hell
    Age
    36
    Posts
    1,227
    Rep Power
    22

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by 2rotor
    the motor in your car is actually based on the chrysler 2.0l used in the neons for so many years, the intake even looks like it.
    the only real issue you would have is tuning, if the kit comes with everything, they arent cheapo parts, and it has a solution for tuning, i recommend buying it.
    as far as turbo size, small. a ko3 like a 1.8t, or a td04 similar to an STi. t25 would be a good turbo. as far as trims and such, i couldnt really say, but you could size them similarly to single cam hondas.
    good luck, i want to see some pictures when your done
    the WRX has a td04 - the STi has a VF34
    Correct Fitment Crew CEO
    Because Only Turds Should be Dumped and Flushed.
    2012 Hyundai Veloster / 1960 Fiat 600D

  8. #8
    shakin it down Master Shake's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    the county
    Age
    38
    Posts
    4,527
    Rep Power
    25

    Default

    you turbo size will determine what kind of power output you are looking for.

    but running 5-7 psi, IMO, i would go with a t3/t4 .50 trim and piece together the kit for the car. just get the manifold and whatnot and then get what else you are needing.

    also, when looking for a turbo, make a decision of either water, or oil cooled, cause cause you might need some different hardware depending on whichever you choose.

    if you go oil cooled, i would suggest in getting another oil pan to tap, and probably use the adapter for the oil filter to run one of the lines.

  9. #9
    BMW Bastard MINI's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Rome
    Age
    34
    Posts
    3,209
    Rep Power
    23

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Tran
    you turbo size will determine what kind of power output you are looking for.

    but running 5-7 psi, IMO, i would go with a t3/t4 .50 trim and piece together the kit for the car. just get the manifold and whatnot and then get what else you are needing.

    also, when looking for a turbo, make a decision of either water, or oil cooled, cause cause you might need some different hardware depending on whichever you choose.

    if you go oil cooled, i would suggest in getting another oil pan to tap, and probably use the adapter for the oil filter to run one of the lines.

    I can get the manifold and with that a Garrett T25 ball bearing turbo for fairly cheap. And I have noted getting another oil pan to tap.

    As you know I have no room for a front mount intercooler. So I was hoping to get a small, DSM-like, intercooler and mount it where my battery is right now and run the hood scoop to it. Kinda like

    To make room for the turbo I have to relocate the battery and move the powersteering and coolant resevoirs over to the right alittle bit. Ill have half an engine bay once I move my battery

    A very unique set up. Thanks everyone
    Got a MINI? Don't talk to me.

    FUCK your FADS

  10. #10
    shakin it down Master Shake's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    the county
    Age
    38
    Posts
    4,527
    Rep Power
    25

    Default

    is the t25 oil cooled?

    and yea with the very limited space you have, a TMIC is probably the only way you're gonna get it in there, unless you do some modding to your front bumper with one really really small FM.

  11. #11
    shakin it down Master Shake's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    the county
    Age
    38
    Posts
    4,527
    Rep Power
    25

    Default

    also, i just did some research on your car.


    you could easily put a front mount on it, only downside to it is, you'll be paying more for the front mount then you would for everything else.

    cause as of now, i'm seeing there for no less than about $600


  12. #12
    BMW Bastard MINI's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Rome
    Age
    34
    Posts
    3,209
    Rep Power
    23

    Default

    Alta

    The T25 is oil cooled. And I think that intercooler is for the R56. There is no way in hell I can fit a front mount on my car without a shit ton of modification.
    Got a MINI? Don't talk to me.

    FUCK your FADS

  13. #13
    shakin it down Master Shake's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    the county
    Age
    38
    Posts
    4,527
    Rep Power
    25

    Default

    i don't know how much different the type s and non s models are, but i would think it would hook up with little mods.

  14. #14
    shakin it down Master Shake's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    the county
    Age
    38
    Posts
    4,527
    Rep Power
    25

    Default

    after more looking around, the alta v 2.0 top mount should be easily be able to mount without relocated the battery.

    LINK

  15. #15
    Mountain man green91's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Location
    Dahlonega, Ga
    Posts
    8,975
    Rep Power
    46

    Default

    Make sure to throw a handful of sand into the intake, it polishes the ports and lets the turbo come into boost faster.

  16. #16
    shakin it down Master Shake's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    the county
    Age
    38
    Posts
    4,527
    Rep Power
    25

    Default

    ^why you coming in here talking that stupid shit?

  17. #17
    Mountain man green91's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Location
    Dahlonega, Ga
    Posts
    8,975
    Rep Power
    46

    Default

    LOL @ neg reps. fag.

  18. #18
    shakin it down Master Shake's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    the county
    Age
    38
    Posts
    4,527
    Rep Power
    25

    Default

    yea you're cool.

  19. #19
    Mountain man green91's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Location
    Dahlonega, Ga
    Posts
    8,975
    Rep Power
    46

    Default

    cooler than you

  20. #20
    shakin it down Master Shake's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    the county
    Age
    38
    Posts
    4,527
    Rep Power
    25

    Default

    oh that hurt.

  21. #21
    kodak disposable ftw Dwisforme05's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Canada..like america but better
    Posts
    3,580
    Rep Power
    26

    Default

    dont clutter up the thread take your cat fight to the pm's. mini if you want you can come over to look at the S and try to build yours ( mount everything up) in a similar fashion. might give you an idea of how to do it.
    I CAN HAZ 8 CYLINDERS?

    Cameron Flaisch Photography
    Canon Shooter


  22. #22
    BMW Bastard MINI's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Rome
    Age
    34
    Posts
    3,209
    Rep Power
    23

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Dwisforme05
    dont clutter up the thread take your cat fight to the pm's. mini if you want you can come over to look at the S and try to build yours ( mount everything up) in a similar fashion. might give you an idea of how to do it.
    Mine is a single cam. The new S's are completely different, a new DOHC


    And look at this fucker coming in my thread and bullshitin around

    Take it somewhere else.


    Heres an S with a turbo conversion:
    Got a MINI? Don't talk to me.

    FUCK your FADS

  23. #23
    shakin it down Master Shake's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    the county
    Age
    38
    Posts
    4,527
    Rep Power
    25

    Default

    dude, you could easily put that I/C in your car with the battery relocated.

    i would shoot for that setup, for the I/C at least.

  24. #24
    BMW Bastard MINI's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Rome
    Age
    34
    Posts
    3,209
    Rep Power
    23

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Tran
    dude, you could easily put that I/C in your car with the battery relocated.

    i would shoot for that setup, for the I/C at least.

    Thats an air-water intercooler right? One more thing to deal with

    but do you see how I could mount a DSM-like intercooler?


    Base Mini Cooper engine bay (Non-S)



    My intake is short ram now giving it alot more room and with the battery gone i should have plenty
    Got a MINI? Don't talk to me.

    FUCK your FADS

  25. #25
    kodak disposable ftw Dwisforme05's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Canada..like america but better
    Posts
    3,580
    Rep Power
    26

    Default

    Air to water intercoolers are the shit. but im biased lol
    I CAN HAZ 8 CYLINDERS?

    Cameron Flaisch Photography
    Canon Shooter


  26. #26
    slick fricks sikfricks's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    ROME,GA
    Age
    38
    Posts
    639
    Rep Power
    18

    Default

    yea the water intercoler would help so you wont have to deal with mounting a intercooler and it makes piping easier
    <img src=http://www.importatlanta.com/forums/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=19661&dateline=1274467236 border=0 alt= />

  27. #27
    BMW Bastard MINI's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Rome
    Age
    34
    Posts
    3,209
    Rep Power
    23

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Dwisforme05
    Air to water intercoolers are the shit. but im biased lol
    Never really looked into them. But I have noticed they are commonly used on the mini's for big projects like the black cooper shown.


    Shit I need to think things out more
    Got a MINI? Don't talk to me.

    FUCK your FADS

  28. #28
    shakin it down Master Shake's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    the county
    Age
    38
    Posts
    4,527
    Rep Power
    25

    Default

    adding the air to liquid i/c would also add the weight of the water, plus he would have to find a place to put the reservoir.

    i still think that one front mount i posted a link to would be sneaky cause not many people would really notice it, but downside is it costs like $700

  29. #29
    kodak disposable ftw Dwisforme05's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Canada..like america but better
    Posts
    3,580
    Rep Power
    26

    Default

    oh god forbid he adds a few pounds to his car for water.

    leave it to a honda guy to say that.
    I CAN HAZ 8 CYLINDERS?

    Cameron Flaisch Photography
    Canon Shooter


  30. #30
    shakin it down Master Shake's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    the county
    Age
    38
    Posts
    4,527
    Rep Power
    25

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Dwisforme05
    oh god forbid he adds a few pounds to his car for water.

    leave it to a honda guy to say that.
    a few pounds? the reservoir will probably add like 15lbs, with water, plus the lines running to the A/L I/C so i'll say 2lbs, then the I/c itself full of water, maybe another 15lbs. so 30lbs of weight just from the intercooler setup alone, not the mention the rest of the weight from turbo kit, he would have better luck just running a front or top mount. so the hp gain over weight gain. car wouldn't be going much faster than it already is. just help it with top end. but thats about it.

    when you got a car that doesn't have the acceleration of most honda's or whatever and the weight difference, i think he could save all the weight he could. it might add a few extra hp on the dyno, but will show no major performance gain over a standard front or top mount, on the street. with chances of possibly getting outran by another car with the same setup but with a FM.

    car comes factory weighing around 2550-2750lbs and only pushing 118hp and 114lbs/tq. that would be getting my coupe, running a d15 and throwing in about 300lbs of weight. how fast you think its gonna be boosting a stock motor at 6psi?

    i would be hanging with other stock d15's in hatches. boost doesn't mean shit if you have to haul a fucking anvil around.


    edit: those mini cooper numbers are based off 2009 mini base model but i don't know the year of his car.

  31. #31
    kodak disposable ftw Dwisforme05's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Canada..like america but better
    Posts
    3,580
    Rep Power
    26

    Default

    here is an article that better explains why i think a/w coolers are more effective/better.

    http://www.superchargersonline.com/content.asp?ID=7 now this is talkin more specifically about vortech's powercooler but is the same for all air to water applications.
    I CAN HAZ 8 CYLINDERS?

    Cameron Flaisch Photography
    Canon Shooter


  32. #32
    Where the ****am I SANDERS1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    RoadATL
    Age
    49
    Posts
    343
    Rep Power
    18

    Default

    I have a 06 mini S. And I would perfer in the future to run a air/water setup and there is a few places that offer good product, air/water is expensive, but worth it... You may be able to piece together a setup cheper by using random parts used like... Subaru air/water ic (on older legacys), Bosch water pump from a S/C cobra, and some type of slim heat exchanger.... Curious, how much power are you plaining to have? 6 psi on the S is like 168ish. I would almost suggest buying a factory s/c setup and save your self alot of time, money and agravation. I only plan to run a 17% reducer pulley,Alta intake,stage colder plugs in the near future. You might want to look at www.northamericanmotoring.com. I find all kind of good stuff for minis in there often.

  33. #33
    shakin it down Master Shake's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    the county
    Age
    38
    Posts
    4,527
    Rep Power
    25

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Dwisforme05
    here is an article that better explains why i think a/w coolers are more effective/better.

    http://www.superchargersonline.com/content.asp?ID=7 now this is talkin more specifically about vortech's powercooler but is the same for all air to water applications.
    i know the air-water intercooler is better cause it allows colder air to the engine allowing more air to be inducted, but as far as the gains over the front mount and the weight difference, i would go with the front mount cause after the weight added compared to hp gained, it could possibly be just as effected as the front mount without all the water weight. cause i mean, hp doesn't do any good, if you have to pull a lot of weight with it. not to mention chase would have to find a place to put the reservoir in his car and i'm not sure but i don't think he would want it in the floor board of the passenger seat.


    Quote Originally Posted by SANDERS1
    I have a 06 mini S. And I would perfer in the future to run a air/water setup and there is a few places that offer good product, air/water is expensive, but worth it... You may be able to piece together a setup cheper by using random parts used like... Subaru air/water ic (on older legacys), Bosch water pump from a S/C cobra, and some type of slim heat exchanger.... Curious, how much power are you plaining to have? 6 psi on the S is like 168ish. I would almost suggest buying a factory s/c setup and save your self alot of time, money and agravation. I only plan to run a 17% reducer pulley,Alta intake,stage colder plugs in the near future. You might want to look at www.northamericanmotoring.com. I find all kind of good stuff for minis in there often.
    what are the difference between the base and s model? me and chase were talking abotu it and it seems the head is different. but i don't know. he was telling me.

  34. #34
    BMW Bastard MINI's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Rome
    Age
    34
    Posts
    3,209
    Rep Power
    23

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Tran
    i know the air-water intercooler is better cause it allows colder air to the engine allowing more air to be inducted, but as far as the gains over the front mount and the weight difference, i would go with the front mount cause after the weight added compared to hp gained, it could possibly be just as effected as the front mount without all the water weight. cause i mean, hp doesn't do any good, if you have to pull a lot of weight with it. not to mention chase would have to find a place to put the reservoir in his car and i'm not sure but i don't think he would want it in the floor board of the passenger seat.


    what are the difference between the base and s model? me and chase were talking abotu it and it seems the head is different. but i don't know. he was telling me.
    The head and pistons are different
    Got a MINI? Don't talk to me.

    FUCK your FADS

  35. #35
    BMW Bastard MINI's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Rome
    Age
    34
    Posts
    3,209
    Rep Power
    23

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by SANDERS1
    I have a 06 mini S. And I would perfer in the future to run a air/water setup and there is a few places that offer good product, air/water is expensive, but worth it... You may be able to piece together a setup cheper by using random parts used like... Subaru air/water ic (on older legacys), Bosch water pump from a S/C cobra, and some type of slim heat exchanger.... Curious, how much power are you plaining to have? 6 psi on the S is like 168ish. I would almost suggest buying a factory s/c setup and save your self alot of time, money and agravation. I only plan to run a 17% reducer pulley,Alta intake,stage colder plugs in the near future. You might want to look at www.northamericanmotoring.com. I find all kind of good stuff for minis in there often.

    Im hoping around 140hp. Nothing crazy at all until I get a good hold on what all needs to be done.

    I know about North American Motoring and I am on there quite often. Everyone in the Mini community are a bunch of lame guys that are afraid to try anything.
    Got a MINI? Don't talk to me.

    FUCK your FADS

  36. #36
    Where the ****am I SANDERS1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    RoadATL
    Age
    49
    Posts
    343
    Rep Power
    18

    Default

    ^ HAHA! I just started tuning in there for parts for the Wife's car... I would think that a T25 would make that kinda power with easy and give you alot of lower end tq. If turbo is your route, I personally would spend the extra for a air/water setup.

  37. #37
    shakin it down Master Shake's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    the county
    Age
    38
    Posts
    4,527
    Rep Power
    25

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by RoyalSilver
    Im hoping around 140hp. Nothing crazy at all until I get a good hold on what all needs to be done.

    I know about North American Motoring and I am on there quite often. Everyone in the Mini community are a bunch of lame guys that are afraid to try anything.
    if you're only shooting for 140hp, then the t25 would be a good starter. is good for up to about 200+ hp. and running 6 psi you should be able to get that quite easily. i think with a good tune you should be able to hit possibly over that.

  38. #38
    IA Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Age
    37
    Posts
    113
    Rep Power
    18

    Default

    Hey man, the name of the company you need to call for all your questions about boosting your Mini is Myne's Performance. You can also go to their website to check them out. They are located just outside of Phoenix, Arizona. They are experts with Mini Coopers, and they can guide you in the right direction for what you need and want to do with your Mini Cooper. My brother lives in that area, and went to there shop and he was very impressed. Call them up, they will help you out!

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
About us
ImportAtlanta is a community of gearheads and car enthusiasts. It does not matter what kind of car or bike you drive, IA is an open community for any gearhead. Whether you're looking for advice on a performance build or posting your wheels for sale, you're welcome here!
Announcement
Welcome back to ImportAtlanta. We are currently undergoing many changes, so please report any issues you encounter with the site using the 'Contact Us' button below. Thank you!